29 nabbed following raid on hijacked buildings in Joburg

Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg on Friday confirmed the arrest of 29 people following a raid on hijacked buildings in the CBD.

The city conducted a crime prevention operation in several hijacked properties in Berea and Hillbrow on Thursday.

City of Joburg Mayor Herman Mashaba explained that the operation was led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services Unit, together with SAPS, the department of Home Affairs, JMPD, Emergency Management Services (EMS) and the City’s Environmental Health, Citizen Relationship and Urban Management and Social Development departments.

"A total of five suspects who are wanted for various crimes were arrested after they were identified through the morpho-touch fingerprint device. Two people were arrested for being in possession of dangerous weapons."

A further 22 undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested during the operation and detained at the Hillbrow Police Station.

Mashaba confirmed that immigration officers from Home Affairs would now process those who were arrested to ascertain their relevant information.

"It is essential that we bring back the rule of law in our City and take it back from the criminal elements such as slumlords, who take advantage of desperate people and house them under deplorable conditions.

"We are committed to transforming the Joburg inner city into a prosperous and inclusive place for our people to live, work and play," Mashaba said.